Health, Latvia, Legislation

Laimdota Straujuma

The prime minister told members of the press today that she would be thankful to the president if he could offer a suitable candidate, but added that she has not heard such an offer from Berzins.

She added that the special task force set up to implement changes in the healthcare sector will continue its work, and said that it cannot be ruled out that a minister candidate could emerge before the task force's first meeting on July 28.

''We cannot wait, we must move forward,'' Straujuma said.

As reported, Berzins is certain that a new health minister will be appointed sooner or later.

Berzins said in an interview with the Latvian Television that he is planning to discuss this matter with Straujuma.

Berzins said that he is ready to help the premier to find new candidates for the health minister's position, furthermore, he knows some people who could take the post.

Thus, Berzins believes that a new candidate for the health minister's position will be found eventually.

LETA also reported, two of the addressed candidates - the head of the Latvian Economic Health Association Daiga Behmane and Vice-Rector for Development at Riga Stradins University Toms Baumanis - have declined the offer to become the next health minister.

Later Straujuma indicated that she would not be looking for new candidates.

Currently, Straujuma herself has assumed the health minister's duties.